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A HEREFORD paedophile has travelled to Pakistan before his sentencing, with a judge granting permission for the trip and warning him that he "may be sent to prison" when he returns.

Arfan Sagar, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault on a female at Worcester Crown Court last month.

During his committal for sentencing, the defence barrister representing Sagar said that the paedophile had plans to visit his "very sick" mother in Pakistan from August 25 to September 19.

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The judge granted Sagar permission to travel to Pakistan, but asked for proof that a return flight had been booked to the UK.

The court heard that Sagar had assaulted a 14-year-old girl in Hereford by touching her in a sexual way without consent.

The judge said: "You have today entered a guilty plea to a serious charge. It is possible you will be sent to prison. If you fail to return from Pakistan a warrant will be issued for your arrest and upon your arrest you will be sentenced for this matter and also breach of bail conditions."

Sagar, who has since moved from Hereford to Bedford Road, Newport, will be sentenced on October 18.